Tiger Woods, still battling left knee and Achilles' injuries, won't play in the U.S. Open.

"I am extremely disappointed that I won't be playing in the U.S. Open, but it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future," Woods wrote Tuesday on his website. "I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National (in July), the next two majors and the rest of the year."

At this year's Masters in April, where he finished in a tie for fourth, Woods suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon while hitting a shot from an awkward lie in the off pine straw under the Eisenhower Tree in the third round.

Woods, who counts three U.S. Opens among his 14 major championships, did not play three weeks later in the Wells Fargo Championship and withdrew the following week after a front-nine 42 in the first round of The Players Championship, citing injuries to his knee, calf and Achilles.

The Masters is the only major Woods has not missed as a professional.

Woods, who has played in only five PGA Tour tournaments this season and withdrew from another, has had four surgeries to his left knee, the most recent being reconstructive surgery following his win in the 2008 U.S. Open, his last victory in a major. Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, said in a text to USA TODAY that no surgery is planned for the former No. 1 player in the world. Instead, he will continue rehabilitation of the leg, including icing and soft-tissue massage, and wear a protective boot for the Achilles.

"It's been a frustrating and difficult year, but I'm committed to my long-term health," Woods said. "I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can."

It will be the 12th consecutive major without Woods in the winner's circle, the longest drought of his career. He remains four behind Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles.

"I still have plenty of time, and I feel that going forward, I'm excited about playing major championships and playing golf again," Woods said two weeks ago. "I just want to be healthy and solid. I feel like I can give it a go."

The U.S. Open starts June 16 at Congressional, where Woods won the AT&T National two years ago and tied for 19th when the U.S. Open was last played there in 1997.

Woods was replaced by Michael Whitehead, a senior at Rice who was first alternate from the Dallas qualifier. Whitehead had to win a playoff just to get out of the first stage of 18-hole qualifying, and was stunned to get the news.

"They said on the phone that Tiger has withdrawn from the Open," Whitehead said. "So, 'Thanks, Tiger.' I guess I'm glad he was listening to his doctors."

The question is when will he return.

Woods is recovering from injuries to his left knee ligaments and left Achilles', and his Achilles' is believed to be giving him more trouble.

"My man is hurting," Arjun Atwal, a close friend and frequent practice partner, said last week at the Memorial. "He's in a boot, he's on crutches. Not doing good."

Contributing: The Associated Press

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